Mapúa University has been selected as a Founding University Member of the International Institute of Online Education (IIOE) Southeast Asia Task Force, following a highly competitive regional selection process involving 78 higher education institutions across ten Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO) member countries.
The IIOE Southeast Asia Task Force brings together higher education institutions and regional partners to advance digital transformation and the responsible integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in education across Southeast Asia.
The appointment was formally announced by the (SEAMEO) Secretariat in partnership with the International Centre for Higher Education Innovation under the auspices of UNESCO (UNESCO ICHEI). Mapúa’s participation was likewise endorsed by the Department of Education of the Philippines, further affirming University’s role in shaping the future of higher education within the region.
As a Founding University Member, Mapúa will serve an initial two-year term, collaborating with selected universities, SEAMEO Regional Centres, UNESCO ICHEI, and other regional partners. Through the Task Force, members will contribute to shaping regional priorities, sharing institutional and national perspectives, mobilizing expertise and networks, supporting program implementation and research initiatives, and strengthening the broader IIOE Southeast Asia University Network.
The selection reflects Mapúa’s demonstrated capabilities and commitment to digital transformation, AI innovation, and responsible and inclusive technology adoption. The regional process involved extensive eligibility screening, technical evaluation, and portfolio review, assessing institutions based on their vision and commitment to change, accomplishments in AI and digitalization, academic and technical capability. The final composition of the Task Force was also considered to ensure diverse representation across countries, institution types, and areas of expertise.
Being named as one of the founding members from a highly competitive pool of institutions across the region underscores the institution’s capability and potential to make significant contributions to the transformation of higher education in Southeast Asia.
The Task Force is envisioned as a collaborative platform dedicated to accelerating innovation in higher education through digital technologies, AI, and cross-border partnerships. By bringing together leading institutions across Southeast Asia, the initiative aims to promote knowledge-sharing, strengthen institutional capacities, and advance responsible and inclusive approaches to educational transformation.
Expanding Regional Engagement
As part of the Task Force’s inaugural activities, Mapúa has been invited to nominate one Senior Institutional Representative and one Student Representative to participate in the Korea–Southeast Asia University Leadership and Student Transformation Programme and the 4th Gumi Education Forum in the Republic of Korea in November 2026.
The fully funded program will convene university leaders and students from across Southeast Asia for regional planning sessions, institutional exchanges, engagement with Korean universities and industry partners. Participants will also take part in discussions on the future of higher education and have opportunities to share their institutions’ experiences and best practices with regional and international stakeholders.
Mapúa’s participation in the IIOE Southeast Asia Task Force reflects its commitment to innovation, responsible AI adoption, and international collaboration. As the University engages with regional and international partners through the initiative, it will continue contributing to the development of future-ready learning environments and the transformation of higher education across Southeast Asia.
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